Luke had reason to believe that there was no special treatment granted during his time as a cadet in the military, except perhaps his early admittance into the training program. He was just an arrogant and conceited sixteen-year-old boy at that time, who was persistent in pestering his mother into writing the appointed Air Force General to grant her son a special favor by waiving the prescribed age requirement. The year he spent away from the castle and his mother’s wings was the only time in his life when he was not treated as the crown prince, but just another member of the upper class whose desire was to join the military. Common people did not mingle with the members of the nobility and the upper class even in the military service. Nevertheless, he endured months of rigorous mental and physical training that were meant to make him and the other cadets tough fighters and survivors. And yet his knees buckled from the pain induced by an infinitesimally tiny bot, while his bride to be kept her composure and didn’t even make a sound. Absently, while he traced his steps back to the sofa, his right hand touched the base of his neck where the syringe broke the skin. “Thank you for understanding, Ms. Black,” the queen acknowledged the princess’ expression of support. Rhiane was wise to try to talk her way into Queen Camilla’s good graces. She was wise in her decision, conscious or not, to not antagonize the queen and instead take her side of the argument. Unfortunately, Rhiane would find neither a friend, nor an ally in the queen. Luke thought she would make a good addition to her mother’s army of flatterers, though. “The effect of the device will instantly recede once you are again within your radius,” the doctor explained just as Luke flopped to his side of the sofa. “That would be all, Eve,” the queen dismissed the doctor. Without protest, she bowed and thanked her majesty before exiting the room. Once there were only the three of them in the room, she regarded Rhiane with a bright smile. “I am pleased with your eagerness, Ms. Black. The preparations are on-going, but I am expecting everything to be in order by tomorrow.” “Until then, will you disable the leash?” Luke gestured to the air between them. It was unlikely, but it was worth the shot. If she said yes, then he could tie lose ends here and there before he left with Rhiane on a tour that would probably take weeks to complete. The queen slowly shook her head. “I’m sorry, but this is for the best.” She paced to the glass pane and paused to watch her city of tall buildings and gliding hovercrafts. All of these will one day be Luke’s responsibility – the peace and order, economy, justice, and most of all the happiness of the people which was what keeps the dynasty in power. The queen and the mentors she personally selected raised him to be the kind of person who will be able to take on such a burden. With his understanding of global politics, diplomacy, tactics, and economics, technically he was ready to rule, but it appeared that one vital education was missing and that was humility. Or at least how to fake humility. Her son was honest, just like his father. He was never good at pretending to be somebody he was not, because there was no need to do so – he was the crown prince, everybody adored him. Regrettably, he was not the type of person who would freely associate himself with common people. If only he had Calista’s gift of sociability. “Besides, today’s activities were already lined up for the two of you starting with brunch at The Briks, but your outfits will not blend with the crowd in that neighborhood,” said the queen. “Yes, Luke, The Briks is not your type of restaurant and we do have better food in the palace. The people need to see you two among them, make them believe that you are willing to step down from your pedestal once in a while,” she added hastily when she noticed her son opening his mouth as if to object. “Go change and wear common clothes. Pretend to be in disguise, but not really. The goal is for paparazzi to circulate a few photos of you. Our staff will make ensure that there will be photos in circulation. Go ahead and get going. I’ll see you both tonight.” Just treat this as a mission, Luke was telling himself over and over again. The goal was to fool the kingdom into believing that he consented the engagement. He turned to leave without a word, because he knew that no word that came from his mouth that day would ever sway his mother. “You go and change first,” he told Rhiane, jerking his chin to the direction of her room, once they were outside the office.